This document provides information about a Media I course including the course description, procedures, grading procedures, materials needed, and honor code. Key details include: - Students will learn basic to intermediate skills relating to photography and video using Adobe CS5 Creative Suite. - Seats will be assigned to computers and bags/food must be stored away. No web surfing, audio needs headphones. Media passes required outside class. - Grading includes classwork, proficiencies, projects, discussions, and a final exam. Points are awarded for each. - Students must sign up for Remind text alerts. A parental consent form and media honor code must also be signed.

1. Media I: Mass Communication
Mrs. Nicole Sitler, 724-941-6250 ext. 5379
sitlern@pt-sd.org
Fall 2015
Rm. G02
Course Description
Students will learn basic to intermediate skills relating to photography and video including basic concepts, the use of
equipment, development and design of projects using the Adobe CS5 Creative Suite. This course will focus on
foundational principles of photography/video, basic design principles, equipment use, jargon and other information that will
outlast changes in technology.
Procedures
Cameras & Computers
 Seats will be assigned but students will have input in the process
 You will be assigned a specific computer.
 All bags, purses, drinks, food etc. must be stored in designated space in front of room.
 No food, drink or homework is permitted by the computers EVER!
 No web-surfing beyond related sites; all audio to be listened with headphones; no lining up by the door prior to
end of class.
Media Passes
 Media passes must be worn when going outside of the classroom.
 If pass is lost, you will receive only ONE replacement, after that, all privileges beyond classroom will be revoked.
 You may also have your pass taken from you and be "benched" for inappropriate behavior outside of the
classroom.
Electronic Devices
 Cellphones are NOT PERMITTED without permission from instructor and only used for a specific purpose.
 One warning will be given after that the phone will be confiscated.
Daily Procedures
 Designated reading time at the beginning of each period. Must be a print copy of material.
Grading Procedures
Students will be graded using a variety of assignments listed below using a point system. Limited to no extra credit will be
given.
Class Work & Homework (Occasional 5 pts.)
 Students will often participate in mini assignments in class to reinforce web design concepts. At times, these
activities will be graded.
 Occasionally, there will be assigned homework to reinforce and extend skills previously learned in class.
Proficiencies/Tutorials (Regularly 10 pts.)
 Students are required to complete basic proficiencies or tutorials that are guided and independent practice.
 Purpose of these assignments is to help teach basic equipment skills, terminology and software.
 Students may repeat to gain additional points.

2. Projects (50-75 pts.)
 Students will also complete various independent projects independently and in groups.
 Projects will require students to apply a wide range of skills/knowledge learned over multiple class periods.
 Students will typically be allowed to use their resources (notes/completed assignments) to successfully complete
their projects.
Discussion Days (10 pts.)
 Occur during one class period per week.
 The goal is to discuss current trends/events in media, photography.
 Class website will contain helpful links with credible resources.
Final Exam (100 pts.)
 TBA and will be same as other media classes.
Communication
All materials/handouts for the course will always be available online. Limited print handouts will be given out but are
available via request.
The class website is located at www.ptmedia.net, classes, Media I, Sitler
Remind account will text important information. Please sign up with the attached instructions.
Materials
Students will need the following materials for this class:
 Organization system (binder, folder, etc.)
 Book for daily reading
 Headphones/earbuds for audio
Remind
Pleasesign up for Remind text alerts for your correct class.
Period 1
 To receive messages via text, text @mediaipd to 81010.
 You can opt out of messages at anytime by replying ‘unsubscribe@mediaip’
 Or to receive messages via email, send an email to mediaip@mail.remind.com. To unsubscribe, replay with
‘unsubscibe’ in subject line.
 Trouble using 81010? Try texting @ mediaipd to 724-398-4448 instead.
Period 9
 To receive messages via text, text @mediaipd to 81010.
 You can opt out of messages at anytime by replying ‘unsubscribe@mediaipd’
 Or to receive messages via email, send an email to mediaip@mail.remind.com. To unsubscribe, replay with
‘unsubscibe’ in subject line.
 Trouble using 81010? Try texting @ mediaip to 724-398-4448 instead.

3. Parental Consent Form
Media Honor Code
I will honor myself, my school, my peers and the media department by using my creativity and talent to inspire integrity.
If you violate the student handbook and it is recorded, printed, or saved you will be held accountable to school district
discipline and you may be removed from the media class. This includes, but is not restricted to the following:
 Defamation of another person
 Using copyrighted materials (this is any Internet image or image you did not take)
 Inappropriate media downloaded on school computers
 Changing another’s layout photographs or text without permission
 Inappropriate use/abuse of technology or inappropriate behavior outside of the classroom
Handbook Rules about Technology
It is important to remember that “students have the responsibility to refrain from libel and obscenity and to observe the
rules for responsible journalism.” Please consult School Board Policy #5220 on page 62 of the student handbook. You
will be held responsible “for materials which are libelous or obscene.”
Parental Consent
I have read the syllabus and understand that my child _______________________ is responsible for all of the contents
listed in this document especially for following the Media Honor Code and School Board Policy #5520. I am aware that
any violation of either of these policies will come with disciplinary or legal action. I have spoken with my child and he/she
has agreed to take his/her responsibility as a student journalist very seriously.
Parent Signature:
Student Signature:
Date:
*Core Body of Knowledge is available online the class page.